38 Lena’s Dream. Answer the following question in your own words: q1) Why do you think the hotel was called Quarryman’s Hotel? 2) Was Lena happy with her job? Give two examples to support your answer.
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The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answers:
- Why do you think the hotel was called Quarryman’s Hotel?
The hotel was likely called Quarryman’s Hotel because it was built to serve quarry workers, or it was located near a quarry where many quarrymen worked. The name reflects the local industry and the kind of customers it catered to. - Was Lena happy with her job? Give two examples to support your answer.
No, Lena was not happy with her job. First, she felt that her job as a maid offered no excitement or future, which made her feel trapped. Second, she dreamed of a different life, often looking out the window and imagining a better world, showing her dissatisfaction with her current situation.
Explanation
The story “Lena’s Dream” focuses on a young woman named Lena who works at the Quarryman’s Hotel. The hotel’s name suggests a direct connection to the local quarrying industry. During the time in which the story is set, it was common for hotels and inns to be named after the trades or communities they served. A “quarryman” is someone who works in a quarry, extracting stone or other materials. The Quarryman’s Hotel likely catered to these laborers, offering them accommodation, food, and possibly a place to relax after long, hard days of physical work. The name of the hotel reflects both its clientele and the town’s economic foundation.
Lena, the central character, is clearly unhappy in her job. She is a maid, performing routine tasks like cleaning rooms and making beds. There is no sense of growth, adventure, or personal fulfillment in her work. One clear example of her dissatisfaction is the way she constantly daydreams while on the job—her mind often drifts to a better, more exciting life elsewhere. This mental escape signals a deep discontent with her reality. Another example is her emotional response when thinking about her future; she feels stuck, believing that this job is all life has to offer her. These examples reveal her longing for change and her unhappiness with her current situation. Lena’s dream represents not just fantasy, but also her inner desire for freedom, opportunity, and a more meaningful life.
